Animal Data Management

ABSTRACT

Animal data is stored in memory accessible to a server. The server allows users to access the animal data, such as across a communication network. In some embodiments an identifier for an animal is stored with animal information. The identifier can be used to control access to animal records and to quickly locate animal information associated with a particular animal.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a data management system, and morespecifically, to a data management system allowing for storing, managingand transmitting information for animals as well as a method for suchstorage, management and transmission.

BACKGROUND

Health records for animals are usually maintained by an animal'sveterinarian/health clinic describing the medical history of the animal,immunization records and the like. Breeding animals and show animalsrequire different kinds of certificates and documents showing e.g.genealogy. Thus, pets and other animals require some paperwork, whichusually is kept at the veterinary or animal health clinic or kept in theowner's home.

Moreover, when people travel with their pets such as on a vacation, theydo not typically bring their pet's medical or health records since thesedocuments are often not considered to be necessary for traveling. Thus,when an animal is injured or has some other medical emergency, propermedical attention may be delayed until the medical records of the animalare obtained from its primary veterinarian, or medical treatment mayhave to be provided absent the medical records. When a lost or injuredanimal is found, the animal rescue team and the veterinarian have no wayof knowing the animal's history or existing condition and how to findthe owner. Even if there is no question about how to treat the animal,preferences or desires of the owner are not known. The owner might wantto save the animal at all costs no matter how badly injured it is, orthe owner may wish to euthanize the animal if it is badly injured.

Lost or runaway animals are hard to track. Sometimes these animals areleft at animal shelters and there is no way of finding the owner. It isup to the owner to contact different shelters, animal hospitals or thepolice to find a lost animal. When a disaster occurs, animals are oftenseparated from their owners. The owners may end up in oneshelter/relocation center and the animal may end up in an animalshelter. For persons with disabilities having a disability assistantanimal it is important to reunite such an animal with the owner.

SUMMARY

In general terms, this disclosure is directed to animal data management.In one possible configuration and by non-limiting example, differentkinds of animal information, including health information, is associatedwith an identifier, such as a biometric identifier, of an animal. Theidentifier is used to access the animal information.

One aspect is an animal data management system comprising a serverarranged to register an animal by receiving animal data including afirst biometric identifier. The system also includes a memory forstoring the animal data and the first biometric identifier in a databasecontained therein and associating the first biometric identifier withthe animal data in the database, and for receiving informationpertaining to the animal and storing that information in the database.The system further includes a user computing system arranged to send arequest including a second biometric identifier to the server. Theserver includes a processor arranged to search the database to identifythe first biometric identifier as a match to the second biometricidentifier. A communication system is arranged to transmit at least partof the animal data associated with the first biometric identifier to theuser computing system in response to the request.

Another aspect is a method of managing an animal data management system.An animal is registered as a registered animal in a database by storinganimal data including a first identifier associated with the registeredanimal in the database. The method then stores the animal data and thefirst identifier in the database and associates the first identifierwith the animal data in the database. Information pertaining to theanimal is received and stored in the database. Upon occurrence of anevent, a request including a second identifier is received from a usercomputing system. A search in the database is performed to identify thefirst identifier as a match to the second identifier. At least part ofthe animal data associated with the first identifier is transmitted tothe user computing system in response to the request.

Still another aspect is a method of responding to a mass casualtysituation and handling animals during the mass casualty situation.During a preparation period, the method comprises the steps ofregistering an animal by receiving animal data including a firstbiometric identifier, and storing the animal data and the firstbiometric identifier in a database and associating the first biometricidentifier with the animal data in the database. During the masscasualty situation, the method comprises the steps of establishing acommunication central for coordinating work between a plurality ofemergency response functions, connecting the communication central to aserver device including a processor and memory, the memory including thedatabase comprising information pertaining the animal data and thebiometric identifier, and searching the database to identify a foundanimal by matching the biometric identifier of the animal with thebiometric identifier of an animal stored in the database.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary animal datamanagement system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary server of the datamanagement system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the server shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary user system of theanimal data management system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of operating ananimal data management system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary login interface according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary search interface according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary record interface according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary disaster responsesystem according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another exemplary animal datamanagement system according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to thedrawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts andassemblies throughout the several views. Reference to variousembodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto.Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are notintended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possibleembodiments for the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is schematic block diagram of an exemplary animal data managementsystem 100. System 100 includes server 102, records administratorcomputing system 104, and user computing device 106. In some embodimentscommunication occurs across network 108. Server 102 includes animal data110. An animal identification device 112 is coupled to user computingdevice 106.

Briefly, some embodiments of animal data management system 100 operateto provide quick and convenient access to animal data 110, whileprotecting the privacy of animal data 110 from unauthorized access. Forexample, health records of an animal, such as a pet, horse, or anyanimal that would be desired to track and/or identify, are stored inanimal data 110 of server 102.

Some embodiments of animal data management system 100 include some orall of the following.

Server 102 is a computing system that stores or is able to access animaldata 110. Server 102 is in data communication with network 108. In someembodiments server 102 is a Web server that generates data for one ormore web pages. The data is communicated across network 108 to acomputing system operating a browser software application. An example ofserver 102 is described with reference to FIG. 2.

In some embodiments server 102 stores animal data 110 in memory ofserver 102. In other embodiments, animal data 110 is stored remotelyfrom server 102, but is accessible to server 102, such as across network108 or another network. In some embodiments animal data 110 is stored ina database or other data record.

Animal data 110 includes information relating to a particular animal.Examples of animal data include medical history data (includingveterinarian notes, electronic medical records, immunization records,surgical history, medication records, medical treatment records, andidentification of medical allergies), genealogy, owner information,owner's instructions in case of acute illness or injury (treat or put tosleep, who to contact if owner is unavailable), insurance information,and other data relating to the animal. In some embodiments, animal datais not considered or treated as confidential. However, in otherembodiments, measures are taken to safeguard animal data 110 againstunauthorized or improper use. For example, in some embodiments,communication of animal data 110 is performed in accordance with asecure data communication protocol, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).Password protection is used in some embodiments. Other embodimentsinclude other security features.

Records administrator system 104 is a computing system that operates toallow an administrator to oversee the administration of animal data 110on server 102. In some embodiments, system 104 is the same as server102, but typically system 104 is a separate computing system. Recordsadministrator system 104 is typically operated by a person performing asa records administrator.

User computing device 106 is a computing system typically operated byveterinarians, animal health clinic, animal rescue, animal breeders(such as kennels), animal shelters, and animal's owner. In someembodiments user computing device 106 is a stationary device, such as atthe owner's home or at the animal health clinic. However, in someembodiments, user computing device 106 is a mobile device, such as alaptop computer, cell phone, personal digital assistant, or othercomputing systems used by e.g. animal rescue teams and owner. In someembodiments user computing device 106 operates to communicate dataacross network 108, such as to access animal data 110.

In some embodiments animal identification device 112 is connected touser computing device 106 for identifying the animal. The animal healthrecord associated with the identified animal is then obtained fromserver 102. Exemplary animal identification device 112 include biometricreader (such as retinal scanning), radio-frequency identification (RFID)tag detector, image matching device, device reading implantedmultifunction chips, interface for entering identification number frome.g. dog tag or earmark, pet identification card reader, DNA reader, andother devices for identifying an animal. In some embodiments multipleanimal identification devices are used.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary server 102. Server102 is a computing device that typically includes a processing device202, memory 204, a storage device 206, a communication device 208, aninput device 210, and an output device 212.

In its most basic configuration, server 102 typically includesprocessing device 202, memory 204, and communication device 208. Otherembodiments include other components, such as illustrated in FIG. 2, oryet other components.

Processing device 202 is a device that processes a set of instructions.One example of processing device 202 is a microprocessor. Alternatively,various other processing devices may also be used including centralprocessing units (“CPUs), microcontrollers, programmable logic devices,field programmable gate arrays, digital signal processing (“DSP”)devices, and the like. Processing devices may be of any general varietysuch as reduced instruction set computing (RISC) devices, complexinstruction set computing devices (“CISC”), or specially designedprocessing devices such as an application-specific integrated circuit(“ASIC”) device.

Examples of memory 204 include volatile (such as RAM), and non-volatile(such as ROM and flash) memory. In some embodiments, memory 204 is partof processing device 202, while in other embodiments memory 204 isseparate from or in addition to that of processing device 202.

In some embodiments, server 102 also includes an additional storagedevice 206. Storage device 206 stores digital data. For example, someembodiments of server 102 include removable storage or non-removablestorage, including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks ortape.

Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Memory 204 and storage device 206 areexamples of computer storage media. Computer storage media includes, butis not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used tostore the desired information and that can be accessed by server 102.Any such computer storage media may be part of server 102.

In some embodiments, memory 204 and/or storage device 206 store datainstructions including one or more of an operating system, applicationprograms, other program modules, and program data.

Server 102 also includes communication device 208 that allows server 102to communicate with other devices, such as across network 108 (shown inFIG. 1). Communication device 208 is an example of communication media.Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. Examples ofcommunication media include wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radiofrequency, infrared and other wireless media. The term computer readablemedia as used herein includes both storage media and communicationmedia.

In some embodiments, server 102 includes one or more input devices 210,such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device,or other input device. Some embodiments include one or more outputdevices 212, such as a display, speaker, printer, or other outputdevice.

The computing system described above with reference to server 102 isalso an example of other computing systems described herein. Forexample, in some embodiments records administrator computing system 104,and user computing device 106 are also computing systems as describedabove.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary server 102. Server102 includes Web server 302, database 304, administrative systeminterface 306, and user system interface 308. Other embodiments includemore or fewer features, functions, or modules.

Web server 302 is a computer program that operates to communicate datadefining one or more Web pages, such as across network 108 (shown inFIG. 1). Examples of Web server software applications include InternetInformation Services from Microsoft Corporation and Apache HTTP Server.In some embodiments Web server operates to receive Hyper Text TransferProtocol (HTTP) requests from clients (such as systems 104 or 106) andto serve HTTP responses along with data content, such as Web pagesformatted in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML).

Database 304 stores animal data 110. Animal data 110 is typicallyassociated with a single animal, such that database 304 includes aplurality of animal data records.

In some embodiments server 102 includes separate interface modules forcommunicating with particular groups of users. For example, server 102includes administrative system interface 306 for communicating with anadministrator (such as through records administrator system 104), anduser system interface 308 for communicating with a user (such as throughuser computing device 106). It is sometimes desirable to provideseparate interfaces for different groups of users, such as to providedifferent access rights to each group. For example, an animal ownerusing user computing device 106 is typically limited to accessing his orher own animal data 110, while a veterinarian using a user computingsystem such as system 106 will typically have access to the animal dataof more than one animal. In some embodiments system interfaces 306 and308 are custom software applications that control access rights anddefine particular Web pages to be displayed to the associated group. Insome embodiments, system interfaces 306 and 308 also define one or morecommunication protocols and operate to communicate data according to theprotocols. For example, in some embodiments some or all communicationbetween server 102 and one or more groups of users occurs through one ofsystem interfaces 306 and 308 rather than through Web server 302. Inthis way, data is communicated between the user system and server 102according to a customized or other communication protocol.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary user computingdevice 106. User computing device 106 includes Web browser 402 andserver interface 404.

Web browser 402 is a software application operating on user computingdevice 106 that operates to communicate with Web server 302 (shown inFIG. 3), such as to display Web pages from Web server 302. In someembodiments Web browser operates to send HTTP requests to Web server 302and to receive HTTP responses along with data content from Web server302. Examples of Web browser 402 include INTERNET EXPLORER® internetbrowser by Microsoft Corporation and the FIREFOX® Internet browser bythe Mozilla Foundation.

In some embodiments user computing device 106 includes server interface404 for communicating with user system interface 308 (shown in FIG. 3)of server 102. In some embodiments, server interface 404 is a customsoftware application that defines one or more communication protocolsand operates to communicate data according to the protocols.

The system described above with reference to user computing device 106is also an example of other systems described herein, such as recordsadministrator system 104. In some embodiments these systems includeadditional modules.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 500 of operatingan animal data management system. Method 500 includes two periods—apreparation period 502 and an event triggered period 504, which areseparated by an event 506. Preparation period 502 includes operations505, 510, 512, and 514. Event triggered period 504 includes operations520 and 522.

When an animal already has an existing identifier such as an earmark oridentification tag, preparation period 502 begins with operation 510 tostore the identifier associated with that animal. Else, when the animaldoes not have an existing identifier, an identifier is obtained for theanimal in operation 505. In some embodiments operation 505 is aregistration process. For example, a retina of an animal is scanned anda biometric identifier is generated based on unique features of theretina. The biometric identifier is then stored in memory, such as on aserver in operation 510. Other identifiers include RFID tag, implantedmultifunction chip, identification number from e.g. dog tag, earmark,image of animal, DNA, and barcode from pet identification card. In someembodiment, an identifier (such as a biometric identifier) isgiven/registered to the animal although it already has an existingidentifier.

Operation 512 is then performed to enter animal information associatedwith the identifier. For example, the owner's name and the animal's sex,weight, birth date, medical history data, genealogy etc. are stored in adatabase record associated with the identifier. In some embodiments,animal data 110 (shown in FIG. 1) is stored in the database andassociated with the identifier. In some embodiments operation 512 isperformed before operation 510.

After operations 510 and 512, operation 514 is performed to update andaccess animal information as needed. For example, a user accesses theanimal info on server 102 through user computing device 106 (shown inFIG. 1). The user is allowed to edit and update some or all of theanimal information as needed. The user also adds additional animalinformation in some embodiments.

Event 506 separates preparation period 502 from event triggered period504. Event 506 is, for example, an event which causes a user to accessanimal data. Upon the occurrence of event 506, operation 520 isperformed by a user to access animal data using the identifier. In someembodiments, operation 520 involves reading a biometric identifier froman animal, such as a retina. The biometric identifier is matched withanimal data associated with the biometric identifier. The user is thengiven access to the animal data associated with the animal. The animaldata assists the user in providing proper action in response to theevent.

In some embodiments, the event 506 is a lost or runaway animal. A lostanimal found by the non-owner could be admitted to e.g. a local shelteror an animal health clinic. A user in the shelter or the clinic uses theidentifier to identify the animal and to access animal data 520operation associated with the identifier. Thus, a lost animal is trackedand the owner is notified where to pick up his or her animal. Many petowners bring their pets while traveling or vacationing and it is commonto use an animal collar including a GPS tracking device as identifier.Or, in some embodiments a multi function chip is implanted under theouter skin of the animal which has identification and GPS trackingcapabilities. When the animal is provided with a GPS tracking device,the owner can track the animal using a mobile or stationary device.

Optionally, operation 522 is then performed to update animal dataregarding the event. For example, a user at an animal shelter entersinformation about the event (such as where the animal was found), howthe event was treated (such as calling the owner), and the results ofthe event (such as owner picked up animal). Any other information may beupdated as desired during operation 522.

In some embodiments the event 506 is a found injured animal. A user,such as a veterinarian, working in the animal health clinic or animalhospital, uses the identifier to get to the animal's health record inoperation 520 and also to see the owner's statement or directiveregarding treatment of the animal. In some embodiments, the lost animalis found by an animal rescue team, which can access animal data througha wireless communication device in the rescue vehicle using theidentifier and find information about e.g. owner, medical history,immunizations, and how and if treating the animal. Examples of wirelesscommunication devices include a radio transceiver, cell phone, wirelessmodem, satellite communication system, infrared communication system,and other communication systems that communicate using electromagneticwaves. An electronic animal record associated with an identifier of theanimal, such as a biometric identifier, is helpful to verify that theanimal has immunizations, especially rabies shots. Also, an electronicanimal record makes it possible for the owner to speak for the animal,i.e. the owner's wishes regarding treatment. For example, the owner forvarious reasons may prefer not to treat a badly injured animal butinstead put it to sleep. Such information would decrease the sufferingof the injured animal and also save the owner the cost for treatment heor she did not want for the animal. The owner may also store an advanceddirective or living will for the animal. Such advanced directives mightbe the owners wish to donate organs of a diseased animal to e.g.universities for study. Or, the wishes of the owner regarding what to dowith and where to place the animal if the owner dies or something elsehappens that makes it impossible for the owner to take care of theanimal.

Optionally, operation 522 is then performed to update animal dataregarding the event. For example, a user at an animal health clinicenters information about the event (such as a description of a medicalcondition of the animal or a diagnostic test that was performed), howthe event was treated (such as prescribing a medication or doingsurgery), and the results of the event (such as that the medication tookaway the symptoms or the animal was put to sleep).

In some embodiment the event 506 is an acute illness of an animal beingbrought to an animal hospital or clinic which is not the usual hospitalor clinic. It is more and more common to bring pets when traveling orgoing on vacation. Most pet owners do not bring their pet's medicalrecords since these papers usually are not considered necessary fortraveling. When the pet has an electronic record associated with anidentifier, it is easy to get proper medical attention without delay byany animal hospital in case of a medical emergency. The user of suchhospital or clinic simply access animal data in operation 520 and getsthe animal's health or medical records. In some embodiments, animalhealth care costs are reduced because veterinarians are able to provideproper health care and do not perform unnecessary testing or treatment.For example, if a test has already been performed, information about theresults of the test is available to the veterinarian such that retestingmay not be necessary. Similarly, if a therapy has already been provided(or tests have already confirmed that therapy is not necessary), theveterinarian is provided with this information so that the veterinariandoes not unnecessarily provide the therapy. For example, if an animalhas already been immunized against a condition, such as rabies, theveterinarian is provided with that information to prevent theveterinarian from re-immunizing the animal. Animal health care costs arereduced in some embodiments by preventing improper treatment. Forexample, if an animal is allergic to a particular drug, allergyinformation is provided to the veterinarian so that the veterinariandoes not administer that drug. Optionally, operation 522 is thenperformed to update animal data regarding the event.

In some embodiments the event 506 is finding a dead or dying diseasedanimal. Accessing animal data using the animal's identifier in operation520 could help to track where and from what animals are getting sick andalso what animals.

In some embodiments the event 506 is sale of an animal. Since animaldata is tied to the animal and independent from the owner, it is easy totransfer medical records to a new owner. Also, by accessing animal datausing the animal's identifier in operation 520, it is possible toidentify where the animal has come from, to identify previous owners,and also to issue certificate regarding animal genealogy. For example byusing a biometric identifier, it is possible to ascertain that e.g. ahorse is a claimed horse having a certain bloodline.

In some embodiments the event 506 is a striking disaster, such as earthquakes, avalanches, flooding, and other natural disasters but also caror bus accidents etc. It is common to use search and rescue dogs incertain types of disasters such as earth quakes to find and rescueburied people. A user accessing animal data in operation 520 may use thesystem to track rescue dogs. Also, search and rescue animals need to becertified and need to have updated health records available at alltimes. Such documents will be available when accessing animal data inoperation 520. A disaster response system is shown in FIG. 9 and furtherdiscussed below in conjunction with FIG. 9.

In some embodiments, the event 506 is crossing a U.S. state line with ahorse or other equine species. To legally cross state lines with ahorse, there are legal documents that need to be acquired and kept whilecrossing state lines. State-level administrative agencies or departmentshave specific requirements about which documents need to be maintainedfor transport of a horse across state lines. One document needed is aproof of a current negative Coggins test for Equine Infectious Anemia.Also, a health certificate issued within 30 days prior to crossing statelines is needed. A health certificate is simply a form with the startingpoint and destination filled in, with the signature of a veterinarianconfirming the horse described in the record/paperwork is free of anyinfectious diseases. Thus, using an identifier for each horse, such as abiometric identifier, associated with an electronic horse recordsimplifies traveling between states since it is no longer necessary tobring paperwork. All necessary information and documentation is found inthe horse's electronic record.

Optionally, operation 522 is performed after crossing a state line toupdate animal data regarding the event to be able to track where inwhich states a certain horse has been to.

In some embodiments, operation 522 involves billing of e.g. medicalexpenses incurred. In some embodiments, users at animal health clinicsprovide invoices such as by sending the invoices to server 102, shown inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, invoices are then electronically deliveredto the owner of the animal such as through user computing device 106,shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments billing is performed more quickly.In some embodiments, records of invoices and associated payments (byanimal's owner) are stored with the animal's records.

In some embodiments operation 522 also involves medical transcription.For example, a user at an animal health clinic records dictation ofmedical care or diagnosis that was performed, such as in a digital audiofile. The digital audio file is then transferred to server e.g., server102, shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the server transfers the fileto a medical transcription service that converts the dictation into amedical record. The medical record is then transferred back to theserver and stored in the animal's records. In some embodiments the audiofile is also or alternatively stored in the animal's records.

Event triggered period 504 is then concluded, such that method 500returns to operation 514 of preparation period 502, where animal data isupdated or accessed as needed.

Example embodiments will now be described with reference to exemplarygraphical user interfaces. In some embodiments the graphical userinterfaces are defined by Web pages that are hosted on a server 102 ofsystem 100. Users can access these pages using a Web browser.

FIG. 6 is an example of a screen comprising an exemplary login interface600. Login interface 600 includes username prompt 602, password prompt604, and login button 606.

In some embodiments a graphical user interface begins with logininterface 600. In some embodiments, login interface is defined by server102 and is displayed by a computing system, such as user computingdevice 106 (or another computing system including records administratorsystem 104), shown in FIG. 1.

Login interface 600 prompts a user to enter a username and a password inorder to proceed. Username prompt 602 prompts the user for a usernameand password prompt 604 prompts the user for a password.

After the username and password have been entered by a user, the userthen selects login button 606. In some embodiments, upon selection oflogin button 606 the username and password are communicated to a serverfor evaluation. If the username and password match a username andpassword for an active user account, the user is allowed to gain accessinto the system. For example, a home interface is next displayed in someembodiments, such as shown in FIG. 7.

In some embodiments a user account is associated with a role. Examplesof user roles include an animal owner role, an administrator role (suchin an animal shelter, kennel or an animal health clinic), and aveterinarian role. The role associated with a user account defines theaccess rights and permissions available to that set of users. In someembodiments different user interface displays are displayed to differentusers according to the associated user role.

FIG. 7 is an example of a screen comprising an exemplary animal searchinterface 700. The animal search interface allows a search to beperformed to locate animal records matching search criteria. Animalsearch interface 700 includes search fields 702, search by biometricsselectable control 704, search by scanning selectable control 705, andsearch results 706. Selectable controls 704 and 705 may be any type ofselectable user interface, such as button, check box, link or the like.

Search fields 702 include owner's name prompt 710, animal ID prompt 712,and selectable control 716 for search, for example. Owner's name prompt710 is a field where a user enters a last name, part of a last name, ora first and a last name to be searched. Animal ID prompt 712 is a fieldwhere a user enters an animal identification number or part of theidentification number to be searched, such as from an earmark or from atax tag. A user can enter search criteria into one or more of the searchfields 702 and then click search control 716 to search the animalrecords. The search criteria are then used by the server to searchthrough the animal records to find those records that match the searchcriteria. The results are displayed in search results 706.

Search by biometrics selectable control 704 is selected by a user toinitiate a search by a biometric identifier, such as a retina reader.Upon selection of search by biometrics selectable control 704, abiometric reader is activated to read the biometric identifier. When thebiometric identifier is received, the server uses the identifier tosearch for the matching animal record.

Search by scanning selectable control 705 is selected by a user toinitiate a search by an identifier, such as a barcode reader, a readerreading an implanted chip, and a reader reading a RFID tag. Uponselection of search by scanning selectable control 705, a reader isactivated to read the identifier. When the identifier is received, theserver uses the identifier to search for the matching animal record.

After a search has been performed based on the search criteria providedin search fields or based on the biometric or the scanned identifier ofthe animal, the search results 706 are displayed. In the illustratedexample, a search has been performed for any animals having an ownerwith a last name beginning with “Johnson”. Two matching animals arelisted, including Bunnie and Skipper. The animal name, the ID no. or theowner name of each matching record is a hyperlink that can be selectedby a user to bring the user to the animal profile interface associatedwith the animal.

FIG. 8 is an example of a screen comprising an exemplary animal profileinterface 800. Animal profile interface 800 includes navigation controls802 and animal profile 806. Navigation controls 802 include in thisexample Go To Status button 810, and Other button 812. Animal profile806 includes photo section 820, general info section 822, medical infosection 824, and owner info section 826.

Animal profile interface 800 is an interface that provides informationregarding a particular animal. In some embodiments the informationincludes data from animal data 110, shown in FIG. 1.

Navigation controls 802 are selectable by a user to jump to a differentinterface display. When a user selects Go To Status button 810, ananimal status interface is displayed that is associated with thecurrently identified animal. Other button 812 illustrates in thisexample for simplicity a number of different navigation controls thatmay be used to jump to another interface display, such as medicalhistory of the animal, detailed genealogy, issued certificates,insurance, emergency contact, wishes, etc. In some embodiments anadditional navigation control is an owner button, which when selectedjumps to the health care record of the owner and, thus, a link betweenthe animal's record and the owner's record is created. This is useful inthe event of a pet found next to an injured person who cannot speak forhimself or herself. In some embodiments an additional navigation controlis associated with an advance directive living will for the animal,which when selected jumps to another interface display showing the willof the owner regarding the animal, such as a wish to donate the animal'sorgan to universities for study and information of where to place orwhat to do with an animal if the owner dies or cannot take care of theanimal anymore.

Animal profile 806 displays information about an animal. In someembodiments, animal profile 806 includes multiple sections, includingphoto section 820, general info section 822, medical info section 824,and owner info section 826. Some embodiments include additional sectionsnot visible in FIG. 8, such as other wishes section, emergency contactinformation section, primary veterinarian section, health insurancesection, and detailed status section.

Photo section 820 includes a photograph of the animal, if available. Ifno photo is available for a particular animal an image is displayed thatso indicates. General info section 822 displays general informationabout the animal. Examples of general information include name, IDnumber, gender, date of birth, weight, breed and genealogy.

Medical info section 824 includes information regarding medicalconditions of the animal. Examples of medical conditions that aredisplayed in medical info section 824 include different disorders,allergies, info about immunizations, diabetes, and any other medicalinfo of interest such as current medication. In some embodiments,medical info are associated with a YES or NO field that indicateswhether or not the animal currently has or previously has had thecondition, and includes a note field where further details regarding thecondition are displayed.

Owner info section 826 includes information regarding the owner of theanimal. Examples of owner info include name, address, home phone number,work phone number, cell phone number, mail address and, if the owner hasa location-transmitting device, such as a GPS-enabled smartphone, theowner's present location.

In some embodiments, all or some of the information in animal profile806 is hyperlinked to access more details of the specific information.

Another possible section is an Other Wishes section. In some embodimentsthe Other Wishes section is a text box that displays any other wishesthat an animal owner would like made known to a caregiver/veterinaryduring a health event.

Another possible section is an Emergency Contact Information section.This section displays information identifying who should be contactedupon an emergency if the owner cannot be reached. Examples of emergencycontact information contained in this section include the contactinformation for one or more emergency contacts. For each contact,contact information includes contacts name, home telephone number, worktelephone number, and cell phone number.

In some embodiments, the Emergency Contact Information section includesan automatic notification option. For example, each emergency contactincludes an option for automatic emergency notification. If automaticemergency notification is selected, the system will automaticallycontact the person in the manner indicated upon the occurrence of ahealth event, such as an injured animal. In one embodiment, a healthevent is deemed to have occurred whenever a caregiver such as aveterinarian or an animal rescue team (using a user computing system)enters the animal's biometric identifier, such as by scanning theanimal's retina with the computing system. Once the system determinesthat a health event has occurred, the emergency contact(s) that have theautomatic emergency notification feature enabled will be notified that ahealth event has occurred. Such notification can include an e-mailmessage, a text message, a telephone call with a voice message, afacsimile, or any other suitable communication. In some embodiments thenotification is only a notification that a health event has occurred tothe animal. In other embodiments, additional information is provided,such as the name and address of the animal health clinic facility thatthe animal is going to or being treated at, a description of the healthevent, a contact telephone number or web address where the emergencycontact can get more information about the health event, or otherinformation. In some embodiments, the emergency contact can access anemergency contact interface Web page that provides further information.

Another possible section is a Primary Veterinary Care section. ThePrimary Veterinary Care section displays information about the primaryveterinarian. Examples of information about the primary veterinarianinclude the veterinarian's name, direct telephone number, facility name,and facility telephone number.

Another possible section is a Health Insurance section that displaysinformation about the owner's health care coverage for the animal.Examples of health care information include provider name, providertelephone number, name of policy holder, and policy number.

Another possible section is a Special Care Instructions section thatdisplays information regarding the owner's desires for care upon theoccurrence of a health event. In one example, Special Care Instructionsincludes a list of possible special care instructions associated with aYES or a NO. A YES indicates that the owner does want the caregiver tofollow the associated Special Care Instruction and NO indicates that theowner does not want the caregiver to follow the associated Special CareInstruction. Examples of Special Care Instructions include: do notx-ray, medication for pain only, medication/treatment/hospitalization asneeded, and euthanize if badly injured.

In some embodiments, animal profile interface 800 is not only a displaythat provides information about an animal, but also receives informationfrom a user to update the animal's profile. For example, the owner logsinto the system through user computing device 106 (shown in FIG. 1) andaccesses animal profile interface 800. The owner then enters or editsthe information as needed. Alternatively, data may only be edited by anadministrator in some embodiments. For example, an owner communicateswith the administrator and the administrator makes changes to the animalprofile as needed. A benefit of this is that the administrator can actto ensure that information is not improperly changed for added security.In some embodiments a user in an animal hospital/health clinic, akennel, or a shelter is allowed to edit and modify information in theanimal profile.

More or less information is included in animal profile interface 800 insome embodiments.

FIG. 9 is schematic block diagram of an exemplary disaster responsesystem 900. System 900 includes server 902, records administratorcomputing system 904, communication hub 920, disaster scene system 930,treatment sector 942, transport sector 944, and shelter/relocationcenter sector 946. In some embodiments communication occurs acrossnetwork 908. Server 902 includes animal data 910. Biometric readers 952,954, and 956 are coupled to treatment sector 942, transport sector 944,and shelter/relocation center sector 946 respectively. In someembodiments, biometric readers are also coupled to the disaster scene930.

Briefly, some embodiments of disaster response system 900 operate toprovide quick and convenient access to animal data 910, while protectingthe privacy of animal data 910 from unauthorized access. For example,health records and information of an animal are stored in animal data910 of server 902. The disaster response system may be used and set upby local agencies, such as EMA (Emergency Medical Associate), stateagencies, such as EOCs (Emergency Operations Centers), and federalemergency management agencies (FEMA), such as FOC (FEMA OperationsCenter) or DFO (Disaster Field Offices).

Server 902 is a computing system that stores or is able to access animaldata 910. Server 902 is in data communication with network 908. In someembodiments server 902 is a Web server that generates data for one ormore web pages. The data is communicated across network 908 to acomputing system operating a browser software application.

In some embodiments server 902 stores animal data 910 in memory ofserver 902. In other embodiments, animal data 910 is stored remotelyfrom server 902, but is accessible to server 902, such as across network908 or another network. In some embodiments animal data 910 is stored ina database or other data record.

Animal data 910 includes information relating to a particular animal.Examples of animal data include medical history data (includingveterinarian notes, electronic medical records, immunization records,surgical history, medication records, medical treatment records, andidentification of medical allergies), genealogy, owner information,owner's instructions in case of acute illness or injury (treat or put tosleep, who to contact if owner is unavailable), insurance information,and other data relating to the animal. In some embodiments, animal datais not considered or treated as confidential. However, in otherembodiments, measures are taken to safeguard animal data 910 againstunauthorized or improper use. For example, in some embodiments,communication of animal data 910 is performed in accordance with asecure data communication protocol, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).Password protection is used in some embodiments. Other embodimentsinclude other security features.

Records administrator system 904 is a computing system that operates toallow an administrator to oversee the administration of animal data 910on server 902. In some embodiments, system 904 is the same as server902, but typically system 904 is a separate computing system. Recordsadministrator system 904 is typically operated by a person performing asa records administrator.

Upon occurrence of a disaster, such as a natural disaster, a man-madedisaster, and pandemics, emergency response teams immediately set upcommunication hub 920 for establishing an infrastructure coordinatingefforts between different emergency response functions, such as firstresponders at the scene of disaster 930, treatment sector 942, transportsector 944 and temporary shelters/relocation centers 946. Internetconnectivity is maintained utilizing communication means, such as radioand satellite. Temporary communication towers can be erected to providewireless communication capability. All those responding to the disastercan be equipped with mobile computing devices 935 providing access toserver 902.

Communication hub 920 provides access to server 902 via network 908. Thesize and functionality of communication hub 920 is triggered by the sizeand severity of the disaster. Communication hub 920 may be access pointto a wide area network (WAN), such as the internet, and to local areanetworks (LAN).

Treatment sector 942 includes existing animal hospitals and temporarytriage tents where emergency care is provided. Biometric readers 952 areused to read a biometric identifier of found animals. If the foundanimals are already registered in server 902, their biometric identifiercan provide immediate access to crucial health information stored inanimal data 910. If the animals are not registered, emergency responseteams at treatment sector 942 or at disaster scene 930 can registerthose animals, including identifying their current location. As aresult, the emergency response teams at treatment sector 942 are able topositively identify the animal and review the health records of theanimal immediately (in “real-time”) to assist them in providing propermedical care to the animal. Similarly, when the animal enters thehospital, the biometric identifier of the animal is read with biometricreader 952 to provide access to the animal's information and medicalrecords.

An example of a biometric reader is a charge coupled device (CCD) forobtaining a digital image of an eye. Other biometric readers are used inother embodiments, such as laser, blood analyzer, pulse detector, orkeystroke recognition system. In some embodiments multiple biometricreaders are used.

Rather than, or in addition to, using a biometric reader, someembodiments include an alternate animal identifier. An example of ananimal identifier is an RFID tag, and the like.

Transportation sector 944 is associated with emergency vehicles, such asambulances and helicopters. In some embodiments transportation sector944 communicates wirelessly with communication hub 920 and/or withnetwork 908 with mobile computing devices 935. Examples of mobilecomputing devices 935 include a laptop computer, a handheld computingsystem, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellphone, and other computing systems. Examples of wireless communicationdevices include a radio transceiver, cell phone, wireless modem,satellite communication system, infrared communication system, and othercommunication systems that communicate using electromagnetic waves.Typically, health care is provided by the emergency vehicles, such as anEMT. Transportation sector 944 access animal data 910 from server 902 insome embodiments.

In some embodiments, transportation sector 944 includes biometricreaders 954. The biometric readers 954 are configured to read abiometric identifier of an animal and are similar to biometric reader952 discussed above.

Shelters or relocation centers 946 are established for people andanimals that have been displayed by the disaster. At these temporaryshelters mobile computing devices 935 are used to update data in server902, including any important health care information and location of thevictims and animals. For simplicity, the shelters or relocation centers946 are illustrated as one unit, while in reality separate shelters andrelocation centers are usually set up for people and animals. The petseparated from the owner may end up in a shelter in one town, and theowner may end up in another town. A user at, for example, the shelter orrelocation centers 946 accessing animal data 910, can use the system tofind the owners to a found animal. Or, the owner can access animal data910 and find out where the pet currently is sheltered. Each person andanimal at shelters or relocation centers 946 is registered into server902 (if they are not already registered), the animal in animal data 910and the person in a user data (not shown in FIG. 9) connected to server902, and the location of each person and animal is identified as beingat the particular shelter or relocation center (or at a particularhospital, etc.). If the animal is moved to a different shelter, theanimal data 910 is updated accordingly.

In some embodiments, shelters or relocation centers 946 includebiometric readers 956. The biometric readers 956 are configured to reada biometric identifier of an animal and are similar to biometric reader952 discussed above.

Mobile computing devices 935 include a laptop computer, cell phone,personal digital assistant, or other computing systems. In someembodiments shelters or relocation centers 946 operate to communicatedata across network 908, such as to access animal data 910.

Disability assistant animals, such as dogs, that are separated from theperson with a certain disability during a disaster may be found andreunited with its owner using the system. It is expensive to trainanimals to assist persons with disabilities, so it will save a lot ofmoney to be able to reunite a trained animal to its owner, not tomention the relief it will be for the disabled person to get his or heranimal back. Furthermore, a pet such as a dog is likely to stay by itsowner that might be injured and by accessing animal data using the dog'sidentifier information about its owner may be obtained. In someembodiment animal data is linked to the owner's health care datarecords. Since the probability that an injured person next to a dog isthe dog's owner is high, identification of that person may be made byidentifying the dog. And, also fast access to the injured person'smedical records may be made. However, it needs to be verified that theinjured person really is the owner of the dog before any medicaltreatment is started.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of another exemplary animal datamanagement system 1000. The system 1000 includes server 1002, recordsadministrator computing system 1004, and user computing device 1006. Insome embodiments communication occurs across network 1008. Server 1002includes animal data 1010. An animal identification device 1012 iscoupled to user computing device 1006. These elements of the systemfunction similary to the corresponding elements of the system shown inFIG. 1 and is not further described herein.

The system 1000 further includes first and second communication devices1022, 1024 and 1026 for people with special needs. The first disabilitycommunication device 1022 is connected to the user system 1006 to aid aperson with a disability. The second disability communication device1024 is connected to the records administration system 1004 to allow theadministrator to communicate with the person with the disability. Thethird disability communication device 1026 is connected to the server1002. Examples of communication devices used are Video RemoteInterpreting (VRI) devices and Text Telephone (TTY) devices. VRI devicesaid people who are deaf and are videoconferencing equipment to connectthe person with the disability to an interpreter (of sign language) in aremote location over the internet. TTY devices are a special device thatlets people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired use thetelephone to communicate, by allowing them to type messages back andforth to one another instead of talking and listening. In the system1000 shown in FIG. 10, the second communication device 1024 is directlyconnected to the records administration system 1004 and the thirddisability communication device is directly connected to the server1002. However, in other embodiments the second and third communicationdevices are remotely connected to the records administration system 1004and the server 1002, respectively, over the network 1008. Other knowncommunication devices for aiding persons with disabilities may also beused, such as voice communication devices for blind people.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way ofillustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimsattached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize variousmodifications and changes that may be made without following the exampleembodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, andwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the followingclaims.

1. An animal data management system comprising: a server arranged toregister an animal by receiving animal data including a first biometricidentifier; a memory arranged to store the animal data and the firstbiometric identifier in a database contained therein and associating thefirst biometric identifier with the animal data in the database, and toreceive information pertaining to the animal and store the informationin the database; a user computing system arranged to send a requestincluding a second biometric identifier to the server; a processorincluded in the server arranged to search the database to identify thefirst biometric identifier as a match to the second biometricidentifier; and a communication system arranged to transmit at leastpart of the animal data associated with the first biometric identifierto the user computing system in response to the request.
 2. The animaldata management system of claim 1, wherein the communication systemcomprises: a first communication device connected to the user computingsystem and configured to aid a person with a disability sending therequest and receiving animal data in response to the request; a secondcommunication device connected to an administrator system and configuredto communicate with the first communication device.
 3. The animal datamanagement system of claim 1, wherein the communication system is avideo remote interpreting system.
 4. The animal data management systemof claim 1, wherein the communication system is a text telephone system.5. A method of managing an animal data management system, the methodcomprising: registering an animal as a registered animal in a databaseby storing animal data including a first identifier associated with theregistered animal in the database; storing the animal data and the firstidentifier in the database and associating the first identifier with theanimal data in the database; receiving information pertaining to theanimal and storing in the animal data in the database; upon occurrenceof an event, receiving from a user computing system a request includinga second identifier; searching the database to identify the firstidentifier as a match to the second identifier; and transmitting atleast part of the animal data associated with the first identifier tothe user computing system in response to the request.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 5, wherein the first and second identifiers arebiometric identifiers using characteristics of the retina of the animal.7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising updating theanimal data after an event has occurred.
 8. The method according toclaim 5, wherein the event is a visit to a veterinary.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 5, wherein the event is a lost animal, the methodfurther comprising: identifying a lost animal and the second identifierassociated with the lost animal; searching the database to identify amatch to the first identifier associated with a registered animal; andnotifying the owner of the registered animal with the first identifiermatching the lost animal identifier.
 10. The method according to claim5, wherein the event is an injured animal, the method furthercomprising: identifying an injured animal and the second identifierassociated with the injured animal; searching the database to identify amatch between the second identifier of the injured animal and the firstidentifier associated with a registered animal; accessing the animaldata upon finding a match of a registered animal; and obtainingtreatment information from the animal data.
 11. The method according toclaim 5, wherein the event is diseased animals, the method furthercomprising: upon identifying a diseased animal, searching the databaseto identify a match between the second identifier of the diseased animaland the first identifier associated with a registered animal; obtaininginformation of the diseased animal by accessing the animal data of theregistered animal matching the diseased animal; and using theinformation for mapping diseased animals.
 12. The method according toclaim 5, wherein the event is an unknown person being found togetherwith an animal, the method further comprising: receiving informationpertaining to an owner of the animal and storing the owner informationin the animal data in the database; linking a health care data record ofthe owner into the animal data; receiving from a user computing system arequest including the second identifier; searching the database toidentify the first identifier as a match to the second identifier;transmitting at least part of the animal data associated with the firstidentifier to the user computing system in response to the request;identifying the person being found together with the animal associatedwith the first identifier as the owner of that animal; and accessing thehealth care data record linked to the animal data associated with thefirst identifier.
 13. The method according to claim 5, wherein the eventis transporting of an animal across state lines, the method furthercomprising: receiving from a user computing system provided at a stateline a request including the second identifier; searching the databaseto identify the first identifier as a match to the second identifier;transmitting at least part of the animal data associated with the firstidentifier to the user computing system in response to the request; andaccessing relevant documents in animal data admitting the animal tocross the state line.
 14. The method according to claim 5, wherein theevent is a natural disaster separating an animal and its owner, themethod comprising: receiving after a natural disaster a requestincluding a second identifier from a user computing system; searchingthe database to identify the first identifier as a match to the secondidentifier; transmitting at least part of the animal data associatedwith the first identifier to the user computing system in response tothe request; and accessing owner information in animal data to find outwho the owner is and how to contact the owner.
 15. The method accordingto claim 5, further comprising using a disability communication systemfor receiving the request from the user computing system and fortransmitting at least part of the animal data to the user computingsystem in response to the request.
 16. The method according to claim 15,wherein the communication system is a video remote interpreting system.17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the communication systemis a text telephone system.
 18. A method of responding to a masscasualty situation and handling animals during the mass casualtysituation, comprising: during a preparation period registering an animalby receiving animal data including a first biometric identifier; storingthe animal data and the first biometric identifier in a database andassociating the first biometric identifier with the animal data in thedatabase; during the mass casualty situation establishing acommunication central for coordinating work between a plurality ofemergency response functions; connecting the communication central to aserver device including a processor and memory, the memory including thedatabase comprising information pertaining the animal data and thebiometric identifier; searching the database to identify a found animalby matching the biometric identifier of the animal with the biometricidentifier of an animal stored in the database.
 19. The method accordingto claim 18, further comprising: updating the database with a locationof the found animal; receiving a request of the animal missing;searching the database for the location of the animal corresponding tothe animal missing; and transmitting the location of the animal missingin response to the request.
 20. The method according to claim 18,further comprising: receiving the animal data associated with the firstbiometric identifier; and accessing owner information in animal data tofind out who the owner is.
 21. The method according to claim 18, furthercomprising: receiving health and treatment information of the animalassociated with the first biometric identifier from the animal data. 22.The method according to claim 18, further comprising using a disabilitycommunication system for receiving a request for information of ananimal and for transmitting at least part of the animal data in responseto the request.